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Verstappen-Russell Feud Escalates
Andrew Evans
December 06, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today we're reading about the escalating war of words between Max Verstappen and George Russell — with Lando Norris enjoying some popcorn on the sidelines — while their team bosses needle each other once again. In motoring news, McLaren is cautioning against driving the 765LT too quickly, while Mercedes is expanding its Manufaktur personalization program with a PixelPaint system for delivering custom paint designs. As always, if you enjoy our daily dose of automotive excitement, don't forget to share SpeedBites with your fellow car enthusiasts!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Mazda has introduced the 2025 MX-5 Miata, which features a new 35th Anniversary Edition set to debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona on January 24, showcasing a distinctive Artisan Red exterior and a numbered badge. The base model's price has increased by $345, while the lineup includes updated features such as LED headlights, enhanced interior options, and a potential new electric power steering system, all powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
The McLaren 765LT is facing a recall affecting 163 units in the US due to a potential adhesion failure of its lightweight polycarbonate rear window, which may de-bond from the support frame under high-speed conditions with the side windows open. Built between August 3, 2020, and May 19, 2021, the affected models will receive bespoke fastenings for added security, and owners have been advised to limit speeds and avoid racetrack driving until the issue is resolved.
Rivian is expanding its Adventure Network by opening a charging station near Joshua Tree National Park that will be accessible to all compatible electric vehicles, marking a significant shift from its previous exclusive charging model. The new location, which features fast-charging capabilities and will gradually retrofit existing chargers for non-Rivian vehicles, reflects the automaker's commitment to enhancing the public EV charging experience and supporting broader electrification efforts.
Chinese electric vehicle brands, including BYD and Nio, have been operating in the U.S. for several years, with established offices and a history of selling products like electric buses. Despite the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, Nio is exploring global expansion and has not ruled out a potential entry into the U.S. market, although it may rely on partnerships to navigate this complex landscape.
Mercedes is expanding its Manufaktur program with the introduction of a new Manufaktur Studio in Sindelfingen, where customers can witness the handcrafted installation of customized vehicle components. The company plans to enhance personalization options for the S-Class and AMG lineup, including the introduction of a new PixelPaint technology that allows for intricate multi-colored paint jobs.
Lamborghini unveiled a Miami- and graffiti-inspired Urus SE during Miami Art Week, showcasing its Ad Personam customization capabilities with a unique exterior featuring four distinct paint colors. While the vehicle retains its powerful 789-hp hybrid powertrain, it is designed to reflect Miami's vibrant culture, although the interior remains more subdued in color.
The upcoming BMW M2 CS is set to feature enhanced styling, reduced weight, and increased power, potentially reaching up to 525 hp from its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine. While the exterior will showcase aggressive design changes, the most notable improvements will be in performance, although it is expected to be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission rather than a manual option.
Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida's pivot away from hybrids towards an all-electric future has raised internal concerns about the company's financial stability, particularly as sales in North America and China decline. Despite a slight increase in North American sales, Nissan's overall performance has suffered significantly, leading to a drastic drop in operating profit and prompting Uchida to announce cost-cutting measures and plans for new hybrid powertrains by 2027.
Subaru is retiring the base model of the WRX for 2025, with the lineup now starting at the Premium trim priced at $35,750, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward higher trims. This change aligns with industry trends of manufacturers focusing on higher-margin offerings and positions the WRX as a more feature-rich, performance-oriented vehicle, catering to an older audience willing to invest in advanced technology and comfort.
MOTORSPORT
Max Verstappen has denied George Russell's accusation that he threatened to crash into him following their confrontation after the Qatar Grand Prix stewards' hearing, asserting that Russell is exaggerating the incident. The tension between the two drivers has escalated, with Verstappen expressing a loss of respect for Russell due to his behavior and Russell stating that Verstappen threatened to crash into him deliberately.
Lando Norris has commented on the escalating situation between Max Verstappen and George Russell, while also acknowledging the complexities of driver relationships and the nature of racing. Norris suggested that Russell's actions were driven by Mercedes' competitive strategy, and pointed out that Verstappen did something similar to him during the race at Abu Dhabi in reporting his infraction to his own team.
In a media session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Toto Wolff defended George Russell against comments made by Red Bull's Christian Horner, who had labeled Russell as "hysterical" following a grid penalty incident involving Max Verstappen. Wolff criticized Horner's remarks as crossing a line and emphasized the importance of nuance in discussions about driver behavior, stating that both sides of a conflict should be considered.
Formula 1 has secured a five-year extension for the Chinese Grand Prix, ensuring the event will continue in Shanghai until at least 2030, following a new deal signed during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race, which returned this year after a four-year hiatus, will take place on March 23, 2025, as the second event of the season, although Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu will not participate next year after being dropped by Sauber.
The upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will feature a constructors' championship battle between McLaren and Ferrari, with McLaren holding a 21-point lead and able to secure the title with 24 points for its first win since 1998. Driver Oscar Piastri expressed pride in being part of McLaren's legacy and highlighted the challenges of balancing racing with the extensive commitments outside of driving.
Sergio Perez's future with Red Bull Racing appears uncertain as the team plans to replace him for the 2025 season, despite his insistence that he will fulfill his contract for 2024. Meanwhile, junior drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are competing for the seat, with Lawson expressing enthusiasm for the challenge of partnering with Max Verstappen, while Perez warns that the role demands significant mental strength and experience.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed support for FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's initiative to reduce swearing in Formula 1, following comments made by driver George Russell about Max Verstappen's language after the Qatar Grand Prix. Russell highlighted the impact of such language on young fans, emphasizing the importance of drivers as role models, while Wolff acknowledged his own concerns about the influence of profanity in the sport.
Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, has reportedly expressed a strong interest in recruiting Australian ex-Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo to race in V8 Supercars, particularly as the brand prepares to compete with the Toyota Supra starting in 2026. While Ricciardo has not confirmed a full-time commitment to the series, he has shown willingness to experience racing at Bathurst, and industry insiders suggest that his marketability could significantly benefit Toyota's Gazoo Racing brand.
Arthur Leclerc and his brother Charles will make history as the first siblings to compete as teammates in an official Formula 1 session during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice. This marks Arthur's debut in a grand prix weekend, a moment that holds significant emotional weight for the family due to their father's past financial sacrifices for their racing careers.
Cadillac has appointed Graeme Lowdon as the team principal for its new Formula 1 team, set to debut in 2026, following a year-long effort to secure entry under new regulations. Lowdon, who has a background with the Virgin/Marussia/Manor F1 team, will leverage his experience in both technical and managerial roles to build the team, which is now under the control of TWG Global after Andretti's withdrawal from the project.
CURIOSITIES
Don Swadley has successfully integrated the powertrain, including the battery pack and motors, from a Tesla Model S Plaid into a Cobra kit car, resulting in a lightweight electric vehicle that weighs approximately 3,300lb - about 1,450lb less than the original Model S Plaid. This conversion, which required extending the chassis to accommodate the powertrain, is claimed to be the first of its kind featuring a Plaid powertrain in an EV swap.
A modified 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche, known as "Jules," recently sold at auction for approximately $630,000 after competing in the challenging Paris-Dakar Rally. Originally commissioned by Thierry de Montcorgé, the car featured significant modifications, including a Chevrolet V8 engine and a new lightweight body, and while it did not finish the rally, it ran as high as 13th overall at points during the event.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who leads the NFL in multiple passing statistics despite his team's struggles, recently purchased a $2.99 million replica Tumbler Batmobile, which he discussed on HBO's Hard Knocks. The fully functioning replica, powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 Chevy V8 engine, is not street-legal and features movie-accurate design elements, although its weight limits its performance.
A Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a limited-edition model recently arrived in Melbourne, has been stolen from the Port after a two-year wait by the buyer. Ford Australia is coordinating with the customer to provide a replacement, which may not be available until mid-2025, and it remains uncertain whether this will be sourced from the already sold-out allocation or produced as an additional unit.
A 19-year-old man, Andrew Gerardo Escobedo, was arrested in San Diego for allegedly stealing over $42,000 worth of gas from a Chevron station over six months by using a dummy credit card to trick the pumps. His thefts were discovered after gas station employees noticed discrepancies in fuel sales and identified him through surveillance footage, leading to his capture while siphoning gas into containers.
In Toronto, some drivers are expressing their frustration with speed cameras by vandalizing them, as evidenced by a recent incident where a camera on Parkside Drive was cut down shortly after being reinstalled. Despite efforts to reduce speeding through lower speed limits and the installation of safety measures, the area remains problematic, with the Parkside speed camera capturing 63,000 violations and generating nearly $6.8 million CAD in fines, highlighting the ongoing tension between traffic safety and driver behavior.
Tennessee State Senator Kenneth Yager was arrested in Georgia on charges including DUI, hit-and-run, and failure to stop at a stop sign after officers found him at a grocery store with a reported blood alcohol content of 0.14. Following the incident, which included claims that he urinated on himself, Yager stated he would cooperate with authorities but could not discuss specifics due to legal advice.
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